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Bankstown in Sydney’s South West encompasses the essence of Australian diversity and that was no more evident on Sunday at Bankstown Memorial Oval, where a unique training session underlined the imperative of inclusion and opportunity in the area.

A range of groups including cricketers who had migrated to Australia as refugees, those with disabilities or low socio-economic backgrounds, through to Grade players from the Bankstown District Cricket Club, all trained together on Sunday.

The Recreation Sport and Aquatics Club All Abilities Cricket program for cricketers with a disability was one of those groups involved, as well as players from the Usman Khawaja Foundation ‘Chance to Shine’ Cricket Program.

The ‘Chance to Shine’ program provides an opportunity to cricketers from refugee, immigrant, indigenous and low-socio economic backgrounds to experience cricket in a safe and inclusive environment.

The state selection trials for the NSW Intellectual Disability Cricket team also took place on Sunday.

Blind Cricket NSW is also based at Bankstown Oval and train at the ground.

David Clifton from Bankstown District Cricket Club said the range of playing abilities, backgrounds and skills was made possible by the commitment and support provided from the Canterbury-Bankstown City Council and Bankstown District Cricket Club.

“The backing of all these programs shows both the need for and opportunities available for absolutely anyone who would like to learn to play cricket right through to the highest level,” said Clifton.